Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus with externally positioned dirt chamber

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning unit and an upright section comprising a handle drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head. The surface cleaning apparatus also comprises a cyclone mounted on the upright section and positioned in the air flow passage. The cyclone is inverted and/or has an external dirt collection chamber.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/675,540, filed Feb. 26, 2010, which is anational phase entry of International Application PCT/CA2008/001530,filed Aug. 28, 2008 and now published as WO 2009/026709, which claimspriority to Canadian patent application 2,599,303, filed Aug. 29, 2007,and also claims the benefit of 35 USC 119 based on the priority ofco-pending Canadian patent application 2,659,212, filed Mar. 20, 2009,each of those applications being incorporated herein in their entiretyby reference.

FIELD

This application relates to surface cleaning apparatus, such as vacuumcleaners. In a preferred embodiment, the specification relates to acyclone unit that comprises a cyclone and a dirt chamber that isexternal the cyclone and is removably mounted to the surface cleaningapparatus and, preferably, operable when removed from the surfacecleaning apparatus. In another embodiment, the specification relates toa cyclone unit that comprises a cyclone and a dirt chamber that isexternal the cyclone wherein the cyclone and the dirt collection chamberare removable as a closed unit and concurrently openable.

BACKGROUND

The use of a cyclone, or multiple cyclones connected in parallel orseries, is known to be advantageous in the separation of particulatematter from a fluid stream. Currently, many vacuum cleaners, which aresold for residential applications, utilize at least one cyclone as partof the air filtration mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,228 (Dyson) and 4,826,515 (Dyson) each discloses acyclonic vacuum cleaner having two cyclonic stages, namely a first stagefor separating larger particulate matter from an air stream and a secondstage for separating finer particulate matter from the same air stream.Each cyclonic stage comprises a single cyclone having an associated dirtcollection region.

A difficulty experienced with cyclonic separators is the re-entrainmentof the separated particulate matter back into the outgoing fluid flow.Deposited particles exposed to a high-speed cyclonic flow have atendency to be re-entrained. One approach to resolve this issue is touse a plate positioned in a cyclone container to divide the cyclonecontainer into an upper cyclone chamber, which is positioned above theplate, and a lower dirt collection chamber, which is positioned belowthe plate. See for example Conrad (U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,134).Accordingly, the portion of the cyclone casing below the plate functionsas a dirt collection chamber wherein re-entrainment of separatedparticulate matter is impeded.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to themore detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended tolimit or define the claims.

In accordance with a broad aspect of this invention, a filtrationapparatus for a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone and adirt collection chamber for the cyclone that is separate from thecyclone, and preferably external to the cyclone chamber. The dirtcollection chamber is openable and, when opened, material collectedtherein may be removed. Similarly, the cyclone is openable. When opened,the cyclone chamber preferably has an absence of any member having alarger diameter than the vortex finder. Therefore, when the cyclone isopened, material collected therein may be also removed. For example, avortex finder with a large diameter shroud, or a deflector discpositioned around a vortex finder or air outlet, are preferably notlocated in the cyclone when it is opened and therefore do not create animpediment to dirt falling out of the cyclone when a cyclone is openedand positioned with the opening over a garbage can. Preferably, both thecyclone and the dirt collection chamber are openable at the same time.Preferably, the vortex finder is also removed from the cyclone chamberwhen the cyclone is opened. Preferably the cyclone and the dirtcollection chamber are closed when removed from the surface cleaningapparatus such as for emptying.

An advantage of this design is that, from time to time, material mayaccumulate in a cyclone. In some embodiments, the cyclone may beconfigured such that heavier material is collected in the cycloneitself. For example, the cyclone may be inverted and have an upper dirtoutlet. Material that is too heavy to be entrained in an air stream andcarried upwardly through the cyclone and through the dirt outlet willaccumulate in the cyclone. Accordingly, the interior of the cyclonecould be used as a dirt collection chamber. By opening the cyclone,material that collects in the cyclone may be removed, e.g., the openedportion of the cyclone may be held over a garbage can and theaccumulated material in the cyclone may be poured out.

If the dirt collection chamber associated with the cyclone is not thebottom of the cyclone casing, but a separate exterior chamber, then byopening the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber during the sameemptying operation, e.g., concurrently or sequentially and preferablyconcurrently, material that collects both may be removed, e.g., theopened portion of the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber may beheld over a garbage can and the accumulated material in the cyclone andthe dirt collection chamber may be poured out

According to another broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus isprovided that comprises an inverted first stage cyclone mounted to anupright section of an upright surface cleaning apparatus, and preferablyof a stick vacuum cleaner. When the surface cleaning apparatus is inuse, dirt is entrained in an air stream that is drawn into the cyclone,separated by the cyclonic action of the cyclone and then deposited in adirt chamber. Preferably the dirt chamber is external cyclone so thatthe accumulation of dirt within the dirt collection chamber may notaffect the performance of the cyclone. In a preferred embodiment, thecyclone may have a cylindrical housing or perimeter wall with an upwardfacing dirt outlet that is surrounded by, e.g., a generally annularshaped dirt collection chamber. In this embodiment, dirt that isseparated from the air stream may be ejected from the dirt outlet of thecyclone and fall into, and collect within, the surrounding dirtcollection chamber.

Typically, cyclones have an efficiency to separate particulate matterhaving a targeted size range. By using the interior of the cyclone as adirt collection chamber, the cyclone may be designed to separateparticulate matter having a smaller targeted size range. The materialthat is dis-entrained from the airflow by the cyclone and which exitsthe cyclone dirt outlet may accumulate in a separate dirt collectionchamber in flow communication with the cyclone dirt outlet. For example,in a preferred embodiment, the cyclone or the cyclonic cleaning stagescombined, may achieve a separation efficiency for IEC dirt as specifiedas IEC 60312, which is representative of household dirt, of 98% ofparticles that are from 3 to 5 microns and at least 96.5% of particlesthat are from 1-2 microns. Such a cyclone, while using a relatively highfluid velocity, may result in heavier or larger material remaining inthe cyclone.

Accordingly, for example, a surface cleaning apparatus may include aninverted cyclone having a floor and an upper dirt outlet. A lower airinlet is provided and an air outlet is provided through the floor or asidewall of the cyclone. In operation, air will enter through the airinlet and cyclone upwardly. Some of the dirt will exit upwardly throughthe dirt outlet. The air will then travel downwardly and exit thecyclone through the cyclone outlet (e.g., a vortex finder). Some of thedirt will accumulate on the floor of the cyclone. The dirt collectionchamber may surround at least a portion of the cyclone and, preferably,all of the cyclone. The dirt collection chamber has a floor on whichdirt entering the dirt collection chamber will accumulate. The floor ofthe cyclone and the floor of the dirt collection chamber, or the top ofeach, may concurrently or sequentially open so that the dirt collectedin the cyclone and the dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber areemptied concurrently. An advantage of this design is that fewer stepsare required for a user to empty the dirt collection areas of the vacuumcleaner.

In some embodiments, the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber areremovable when closed, e.g., an openable floor is closed. Accordingly,when the dirt collection chamber is to be emptied, the cyclone and thedirt collection chamber may be removed from the surface cleaningapparatus, e.g., an upright surface cleaning apparatus, and thenemptied.0

In some embodiments, a vortex finder may be provided on the portion ofthe cyclone that opens. For example, if the cyclone is inverted, thevortex finder may be positioned on the bottom opening floor of thecyclone. Accordingly, when the cyclone is opened, the vortex finder isremoved from the cyclone leaving an open cyclone chamber.

Alternately, or in addition, in some other embodiments, the cyclone mayhave an interior shroud or screen that may need cleaning from time totime. Accordingly a consumer may use a single step to open the cycloneto access a shroud, filter or screen that requires cleaning orreplacement and, at the same time, have access to the dirt collectionchamber so as to empty the dirt collection chamber.

In any embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus may comprise:

-   -   (a) a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head        having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning head air outlet and an        upright section comprising a handle drivingly connected to the        surface cleaning head;    -   (b) a cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the        cyclone unit comprising a cyclone having an air inlet located at        a lower end of the cyclone and an air outlet and a dirt outlet        provided at an upper end of the cyclone, and a dirt collection        chamber exterior to the cyclone and surrounding at least a        portion of the cyclone;    -   (c) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path; and,    -   (d) a surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the handle        wherein the surface cleaning unit comprises the cyclone unit and        the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber areconcurrently openable.

In some embodiments, the cyclone is positioned interior of the dirtcollection chamber.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises aplate facing the dirt outlet. Preferably, the plate is mounted to anupper end of the cyclone unit.

In some embodiments, the cyclone is an inverted cyclone having an airinlet and an air outlet at a lower end of the cyclone.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises avortex finder that is provided on an openable door of the cyclone.

In some embodiments, the handle comprises a portion of the air flowpath.

In any embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus may alternatelycomprise:

-   -   (a) a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head        having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning head air outlet and an        upright section comprising a handle drivingly connected to the        surface cleaning head;    -   (b) a cyclone unit mounted on the upright section and positioned        in the air flow passage, the cyclone unit comprising a cyclone        having an air inlet located at a lower end of the cyclone and an        air outlet and a dirt outlet provided at an upper end of the        cyclone, and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone        and surrounding at least a portion of the cyclone wherein the        cyclone unit is removable in a closed configuration; and,    -   (c) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises asurface cleaning unit removably mounted to the handle wherein thesurface cleaning unit comprises the cyclone unit and the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber areconcurrently openable.

In some embodiments, the cyclone is positioned interior of the dirtcollection chamber.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises aplate facing the dirt outlet. Preferably the plate is mounted to anupper end of the cyclone unit.

In some embodiments, the cyclone is an inverted cyclone having an airinlet and an air outlet at a lower end of the cyclone.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises avortex finder that is provided on an openable door of the cyclone.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of thesealternate embodiments may be used individually or in combination in asingle surface cleaning apparatus, as exemplified in a preferredembodiment described herein, or in any particular sub-combination.Accordingly, any two or more alternate embodiments may be used in asingle surface cleaning apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the instant invention will be more fullyand completely understood in conjunction with the following descriptionof the preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a vacuumcleaner in accordance with this design wherein the outer casingsurrounding the cyclone and forming an outer wall of a dirt collectionchamber is optionally transparent;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front and the right side of thevacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 showingthe airflow passage therethrough;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the bottom of the vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 wherein the bottom of the first and second housings is open;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of the vacuum cleaner of FIG.1 wherein the first and second housings are closed but an access door isopen;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section through an alternate embodiment of avacuum cleaner in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective end view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 8 whereinthe dirt collection chamber and the cyclone are open;

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-section view of a further alternateembodiment of a cyclone and dirt collection chamber in accordance withthis invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate embodimentshown in FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the bottom of the cyclone and dirtcollection chamber shown in FIG. 9 wherein the bottom panel is open;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section through a further alternate embodiment of acyclone and dirt collection chamber in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section through the alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 12 wherein the cyclone floor and dirt collection chamber floor areopen;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of an example of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 14 witha portable surface cleaning apparatus mounted to a support structure;

FIG. 16 a is a back perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 14with the portable surface cleaning apparatus removed from the supportstructure and in a position in which it may be carried by hand;

FIG. 16 b is a side elevation view of the portable surface cleaningapparatus of FIG. 16 a wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatushas been removed from the support structure and is in a position inwhich it may be carried by hand with flexible hose detached from thesurface cleaning head;

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the vacuumcleaner of FIG. 14 with the portable surface cleaning apparatus removedfrom air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit;

FIG. 18 is a front isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 14 withthe portable surface cleaning apparatus removed;

FIG. 19 is side elevation view of a hand vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a bottom isometric view the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a bottom isometric view of the hand vacuum cleaner and anattachment member;

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded bottom isometric view of the hand vacuumcleaner and an attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side isometric view of the attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the attachment member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side isometric view of the attachment member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a partially exploded isometric view of the attachment memberof FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a front isometric view of an alternate example of a vacuumcleaner with a portable surface cleaning apparatus mounted thereto;

FIG. 29 is a partial rear isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a rear isometric view of an alternate example of a vacuumcleaner with a portable surface cleaning apparatus mounted thereto;

FIG. 31 is a partial front isometric view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG.30 with the portable surface cleaning apparatus removed;

FIG. 32 is a partial top view of the surface cleaning head of the vacuumcleaner of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of a portable surface cleaningapparatus having a partially transparent dirt chamber;

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the portable surface cleaning apparatusof FIG. 33 with the dirt chamber door removed;

FIG. 35 is a section view of the portable surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of a surfacecleaning apparatus;

FIG. 37 is a front isometric view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 36 with the portable surface apparatus removed in a firstconfiguration; and

FIG. 38 is a front isometric view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 36 with the portable surface apparatus removed in a secondconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a vacuumcleaner 10 having at least one cyclone and a dirt collection chamber incommunication with the cyclone dirt outlet. The filtration apparatus maybe of any design or configuration. As exemplified, surface cleaningapparatus 10 has a first housing 12 and a second housing 14. Firsthousing 12 comprises at least one cyclone 16 and a dirt collectionchamber 18 and second housing 14 houses the filtration members and thesuction motor. As shown in FIG. 7, a surface cleaning apparatus 10 has afirst cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a single cyclone 150 having adirt collection chamber 152 and a second cyclonic cleaning stagecomprising a plurality of second stage cyclones 154 in parallel.

As exemplified in FIGS. 1-6, vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a hand heldvacuum cleaner. Accordingly, vacuum cleaner 10 may be provided withhandle 54, which is affixed to lid 32 and lid 58 of second housing 14.Handle 54 may alternately be affixed to any other portion or portions ofvacuum cleaner 10 as is known in the art. Optionally, as exemplified,on/off switch 56 may be provided on handle 54. On/off switch 56 mayalternately be provided on any other portion of vacuum cleaner 10. Asexemplified in FIG. 3, suction motor 26 may be positioned in secondhousing 14, preferably with a suction fan provided below the electricmotor. Clean air outlet 60 is provided downstream from suction motor 26.An optional post-motor filter may be provided downstream from suctionmotor 26, such as in post-motor filter housing 62, which may beaccessible via post motor filter housing door 64, which could bepivotally mounted to second housing 14.

It will be appreciated that, surface cleaning apparatus may be a vacuumcleaner, a carpet extractor, a bare floor cleaner or the like. Asexemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus is hand held. However thesurface cleaning apparatus may be configured as an upright vacuumcleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a backpackor shoulder strap vacuum cleaner or other configuration known in theart. The surface cleaning apparatus may have a single cyclonic cleaningstage, which may be of any construction known in the art, or a pluralityof cyclonic cleaning stages, each of which may be of any constructionknown in the art, e.g. they may comprise a single cyclone or a pluralityof cyclones in parallel. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 14-35,vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a hand held vacuum cleaner removablymounted on an upright vacuum cleaner.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, an openable dirtcollection chamber 18 is provided that is in communication with the dirtoutlet 28. Dirt collection chamber 18 has an openable end portion thatcomprises a wall that is intersected by the longitudinally extendingaxis of the cyclone. For example, the openable end portion may be floor44 of cyclone 16 as exemplified in FIGS. 1-6, impingement member 30 andthe floor of dirt collection chamber 18 to which impingement member 30may be mounted as exemplified in FIGS. 7-8 or opposed wall 164 of dirtcollection chamber 18 of FIGS. 12-13 or bottom 66 comprising cyclonefloor 42 and dirt collection chamber floor 44 of FIGS. 9-11. When theend portion is in an open position as exemplified in FIGS. 5, 8 and 11and 13, the cyclone chamber preferably has an absence of any memberhaving a larger diameter than the vortex finder (i.e., the vortex finderand any shroud or screen surrounding the vortex finder) whereby dirtcollection chamber 18 and the cyclone 16 may be concurrently emptyablewith dirt collection chamber 18.

A first embodiment of this invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6, whichexemplifies the use of an inverted cyclone. However, as shown in otherembodiments, it will be appreciated that the cyclone 16 may be of anyconfiguration and orientation and need not be inverted (e.g., cyclone 16may be a horizontally mounted cyclone or a vertically mounted uprightcyclone with an upper air inlet, an upper air out and a lower dirtoutlet). Accordingly, the reference to “upper” and “lower” and “floor”are for convenience in the following discussion and relate to apreferred embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, cyclone 16 has a dirt outlet 28 and animpingement surface 30 in dirt collection chamber 18 spaced from andfacing dirt outlet 28. As shown in FIG. 3, optional impingement surface30 is preferably spaced a distance D from outlet 28 wherein distance Dmay be up to 50 mm, preferably from 8 to 30 millimeters and, and morepreferably from 12 to 25 millimeters. It will be appreciated thatimpingement member 30 may be mounted to lid 32 of dirt collectionchamber 18 as exemplified. Alternately, impingement member may bemounted to a sidewall of dirt collection chamber 18 and/or cyclone 16.It will be appreciated that cyclone 16 may be in any particularorientation and/or any particular configuration. As exemplified in FIG.7, cyclone 150 may have a longitudinally extending axis A that extendsgenerally horizontally when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. Insuch a case, impingement surface 30 may be positioned facing dirt outlet28 and accordingly, in use, extends generally vertically, (i.e.transverse to longitudinal axis A). Alternately, as shown in FIGS. 12 to13, an impingement surface may not be provided.

As exemplified in FIG. 3, cyclone 16 is an inverted cyclone.Accordingly, cyclone 16 has a lower air inlet 34 and a lower air outlet36. Air inlet 34 is positioned downstream from dirty air inlet 38 ofsurface cleaning nozzle 40. Surface cleaning nozzle 40 may be anysurface cleaning nozzle known in the art. Air inlet 34 of cyclone 16 maybe in airflow communication with surface cleaning nozzle 40 in anymanner known in the art. The exact structure of surface cleaning nozzle40 and the communication passage between surface cleaning nozzle 40 andair inlet 34 will vary depending if the surface cleaning apparatus is anupright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner or, as exemplified, aportable hand held vacuum cleaner. In operation, air will enter cyclone16 through inlet 34 and travel upwardly, as exemplified in FIG. 4. Theair will then travel downwardly to exit cyclone 16 via outlet 36. Asshown in FIG. 4 by the hatched arrows, dirt will exit upwardly throughoutlet 28 and deposit on dirt collection chamber floor 42. In addition,some of the heavier particulate matter may not be entrained in the airstream and may be deposited on cyclone floor 44.

In this embodiment, cyclone 16 has a longitudinally extending axis thatextends through the centre of cyclone 16. The longitudinal axis isaligned with, and extends through, air outlet 36 and accordinglyintersects floor 44 and door 82. In an alternate embodiment, it will beappreciated that cyclone 16 need not be inverted but may be of anyconfiguration or orientation. As exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 8, cyclones150, 154 may be oriented such that longitudinal axis A of the cyclonesextends horizontally when the surface cleaning apparatus is in use. Asexemplified in FIG. 7, cyclone 150 has an impingement member 30 that isgenerally vertical and faces dirt outlet 28 and is intersected bylongitudinal axis A. Alternately, the cyclone may be an upright cyclone(see for example FIGS. 12 to 13) or a cyclone having a single directionof travel of the air. As exemplified in FIGS. 12 and 13, cyclone 16 hasa longitudinal axis that intersects dirt collection chamber floor 42 andcyclone floor 44. As exemplified in FIGS. 9-11, cyclone 16 has alongitudinal axis that intersects cyclone floor 44.

As exemplified, cyclone 16 is a frustoconical cyclone having cylindricalportion 46 and frustoconical portion 48. Alternately, or in addition tothe orientation of cyclone 16, it will be appreciated that cyclone 16may be cylindrical, entirely frustoconical or any other shape known inthe art. As shown in FIGS. 9-13, cyclone 16 may be closed, i.e. have aportion that closes the dirt outlet end of the cyclone chamber, and isprovided with at least one dirt outlet 28. The dirt exit end may be bowlshaped, e.g., rounded.

As exemplified in FIG. 3, outlet 36 of cyclone 16 comprises a vortexfinder that extends inwardly into the cyclone chamber defined by cyclone16. Outlet 36 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical passagehaving an inlet 50 and an outlet 52. It will be appreciated that, in analternate embodiment any outlet or vortex finder known in the art forcyclones may be utilized.

In any embodiment, inlet 50 may be covered by a screen, shroud or filteras is known in the art. However, it is preferred that vortex finder 36is unobstructed, i.e., no screen, shroud or filter is provided on inlet50. Accordingly, as exemplified in FIG. 3, vortex finder 36 is notsurrounded by a screen, shroud or filter and no physical separationmember is positioned in the cyclone chamber of cyclone 16. Accordingly,no filtration or screen member interior of cyclone 16 requires cleaning.Elongate material such as hair or fibre can become adhered to a shroud,requiring the shroud to be manually cleaned. Preferably, a screen ispositioned downstream from cyclone 16 and upstream from the pre-motorfilter. For example, a screen 78 is preferably provided (see for exampleFIG. 3). The material that would otherwise clog a screen or shroud thatsurrounds inlet 50 may be retained by optional screen 78 which may belarger than a screen in a cyclone chamber.

While the use of the impingement member is exemplified in a surfacecleaning apparatus having side-by-side housings 12, 14, it will beappreciated that this design may be used in any vacuum cleanerconfiguration, such as shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, animpingement member may not be provided. For example, in the example ofFIGS. 1-6, an impingement member may not be provided. See also FIGS.9-13 wherein an impingement member is not provided.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, dirtcollection chamber 18 surrounds at least a portion of and, asexemplified, preferably all of cyclone 16 and is preferably external tothe cyclone chamber defined by cyclone 16. Accordingly, cyclone 16 maybe positioned in dirt collection chamber 18 and, preferably, generallycentrally therein. An advantage of this design is that the bottom ofcyclone 16 (e.g., floor 44) may be continuous with the bottom of dirtcollection chamber 18 (e.g., floor 44) so that a simplified constructionis provided that permits both cyclone 16 and dirt collection chamber 18to be opened at the same time.

The following description refers to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 whereinthe openable end of the dirt collection camber is the dirt collectionsurface (floor 42). However, in an alternate embodiment, it will beappreciated that the openable portion need not be the dirt collectionsurface. For example, if cyclone 16 is mounted horizontally, then theopenable portion may be opposed wall 164 of dirt collection chamber 18facing dirt outlet 28 to which impingement member 30 is attached. Insuch a case, the dirt collection surface will be a sidewall of dirtcollection chamber 18. Alternately, a lid may be openable.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, vacuum cleaner10 is preferably configured such that floor 44 forms an openable endportion of cyclone 16 and floor 42 forms an openable end portion of dirtcollection chamber 18. Floor 44 is a moveable cyclone dirt collectionsurface and floor 42 is a moveable dirt collection chamber surface. Theopenable portion of cyclone 16 is accordingly opened when the openableportion of dirt collection chamber 18 is opened. Accordingly, dirtcollected on floor 44 of cyclone 16 is emptied at the same time as dirtcollected on floor 42 of dirt collection chamber 18. Accordingly, floor42 and floor 44 are both moveable and connected to each other wherebyboth floor 42 and 44 are concurrently moveable such that dirt collectionchamber 18 and cyclone 16 are concurrently emptied.

As exemplified in FIG. 5, floors 42 and 44 comprise a wall intersectingthe longitudinally extending axis of the dirt collection chamber 18 andcyclone 16. Floors 42 and 44 may comprise a pivoting bottom or endportion of first housing 12 and, alternately, of the filtrationapparatus (e.g. housings 12 and 14 of this embodiment). It will beappreciated that in other embodiments, floors 42 and 44 may be otherwiseopenable and may be removably mounted. For example, they may beslidably, translatably or removably mounted (e.g., by a screw mount, abayonet mount or a snap fit) to cyclone 16 and dirt collection chamber18.

As exemplified in FIG. 5, outlet 36 is in some embodiments preferablyprovided as part of floor 42, and is preferably integrally moldedtherewith. Accordingly, when floors 42 and 44 are in the open position,vortex finder 36, and any shroud or the like mounted thereon, is removedfrom cyclone 16. Accordingly, the cyclone chamber has an absence of anymember having a larger diameter than the vortex finder therein.Accordingly, the dirt will fall out of collection chamber 16 and cyclone16 and will fall downwardly off of floors 42 and 44.

Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 5, both cyclone 16 and dirt collectionchamber 18 are openable and may be emptied concurrently when floors 42and 44 are in the open position by holding vacuum cleaner 10 in theupright position (as shown in FIG. 1).

It will be appreciated that dirt collection chamber 18 may be spacedfrom cyclone 16 provided dirt outlet 28 is in communication with dirtcollection chamber 18 so that dirt which is disentrained from the fluidflow in cyclone 16 is conveyed to dirt collection chamber 18. It will beappreciated that floor 42 may open separately from floor 44, such thatcyclone 16 and dirt collection chamber 18 may be individually opened.

As shown in FIG. 5, housings 12 and 14 may have a pivoting bottom 66,which is secured to each of housings 12 and 14 by a pivot 68. In theclosed position exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 4, pivoting bottom 66 issecured in position by latch 70. Latch 70 may have a button 72 which,when pressed, causes arm 74 to move outwardly thereby disengaging aflange provided on the bottom end of arm 74 from flange 76 provided onpivoting bottom 66. A gasket or other sealing member may be provided atthe interface of housings 12 and 14 and pivoting bottom 66 to provide anair tight or fluid tight seal. It will be appreciated that bottom 66 maybe moveable in any other direction by any other means known in the artand may optionally be removable from housings 12, 14. Further, bottom 66may be moveably secured in position by any other means known in the artand need not be connected to surface cleaning apparatus 10 for relativemotion thereto.

In an alternate embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, it will be appreciated thatonly floors 42 and 44 may be pivotally mounted to housing 12. In such anembodiment, foam filter 20 may remain sealed when cyclone 16 and dirtcollection chamber 18 are emptied. In an alternate embodiment, aside-by-side housing design as exemplified in FIG. 1 need not beutilized. In such a case, floor 42 and floor 44 may comprise the entirefloor of the filtration assembly, see for example, FIGS. 9-11.

If bottom 66 opens both housings 12 and 14, then it will be appreciatedthat dirt positioned on the upstream surface of filter 20 will beemptied when bottom 66 is opened.

In the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, impingement member 30 isremoved from the vicinity of dirt outlet 28 when opposed wall is opened,e.g., by pivoting about pivot pin 66. As exemplified, impingement member30 is mounted to support 166 that is preferably mounted to opposed wall164. It will be appreciated that impingement member 30 may be otherwisemoveably mounted. When opposed wall is opened, the cyclone chamber isopened and both cyclone 150 and dirt collection chamber 152 may beconcurrently emptied. In this embodiment, vortex finder 36 remains inposition in the cyclone chamber. While a screen may be positioned tooverlie inlet end 50 of vortex finder 36, it will be appreciated that amember having a diameter larger than vortex finder 36 is absent from theinterior of cyclone 150 thereby permitting dirt to be unimpeded whencyclone 150 is held open over a garbage can.

In the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, cyclone 16 has a closed endand is opened at the closed dirt outlet end for emptying. Asexemplified, in FIGS. 9-11, cyclone 16 has tangential passage 172 thatis in airflow communication with a surface cleaning nozzle (not shown).Tangential passage 172 is connected to air inlet 34 of cyclone 16.Cyclone 16 has a clean air outlet 36 in floor 44, similar to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6. Cyclone 16 has a closed end wall 174 with atleast one dirt outlet 28 in a side wall thereof. Dirt outlet 28 opens todirt collection chamber 18. The outer walls of dirt collection chamber18 are formed from sidewall 186 and end wall 188. Bottom wall 182comprises floors 44 and 42. A gasket 180 may be provided at theinterface of dirt collection chamber 18, cyclone 16 and bottom panel 182to provide an air tight or fluid tight seal.

In operation, dirty air enters cyclone 16 tangentially via air inlet 34and swirls upwardly. Heavier dirt particles fall out of the air streamand are deposited on floor 44 of bottom panel 182. Some dirt particleswill exit cyclone 16 via dirt outlet 28, fall downwardly in dirtcollection chamber 18 and deposit on floor 42 of bottom panel 182.

As exemplified in FIGS. 9-11, bottom panel 182 comprises a wallintersecting the longitudinally extending axis A of dirt collectionchamber 18 and cyclone 16. Accordingly, bottom panel 182 forms the endportion of dirt collection chamber 18 and cyclone 16. Bottom panel 182may have a flange 184 connected to a flange 190 on sidewall 186.Accordingly, bottom panel 182 is rotatably moveable such that cyclone 16and dirt collection chamber 18 may be opened to empty deposited dirtparticles. When bottom panel 182 is in the open position, the cyclonechamber has an absence of any member having a larger diameter than thevortex finder.

In the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, floors 42 and 44 comprisethe openable end portion. Cyclone floor 44 is mounted to dirt collectionchamber 18, such as by support 176. Accordingly, when dirt collectionchamber 18 is opened, such as by rotating about pivot 170, cyclone 16 isalso opened.

In any embodiment as exemplified in FIGS. 1-6, a filtration member maybe provided adjacent outlet 36 and, preferably, in sealing engagementwith outlet 52. Referring to FIG. 3, filtration member 78 may bepositioned on rear surface 84 of floor 44 and overlies outlet 52.Accordingly, air that exits outlet 36 travels through filtration member78. The air then travels through filtration chamber 80 and travelslaterally to outlet 86, which is in air flow communication withheadspace 88 below filter 20. An advantage of such an embodiment is thata screen, shroud or filter need not be provided inside cyclone 16overlying inlet 52 of vortex finder 36. Accordingly, if a vortex finderremains in cyclone 16 when it is opened, such as in FIGS. 7-8 and 12-13,then a large diameter member that may impede dirt from falling out neednot be provided in cyclone 16.

Preferably, filtration member 78 preferably comprises a screen, such asan open mesh screen, e.g., a wire mesh screen or, alternately, a plasticmesh screen.

An access door 82 may be provided to permit access to filtration member78 such that filtration member 78 may be cleaned. Access door may be anydoor that is movably mounted in overlying relationship to filtrationchamber 80. As exemplified in FIG. 6, access door 82 is pivotallymounted by pivot 90 to pivoting bottom 66, and is secured in position bya latch 120. Latch 120, for example, may have a button 122 which, whenpressed, causes arm 124 to move outwardly thereby disengaging a flangeon the bottom end of arm 124 from flange 92 provided on the front end ofaccess door 82. A sealing gasket or other sealing member known in theart may be utilized to provide an air tight or fluid tight seal forfiltration chamber 80. Any other securing member known in the art may beused. Further, door 82 may be removable and need not be connected tosurface cleaning apparatus 10 for relative motion thereto.

Preferably, filtration member 78 is mounted and, more preferably,movably mounted and, most preferably, removably mounted to access door82. As shown in FIG. 6, filtration member 78 is pivotally mounted to theinner surface of access door 82. Accordingly, when a user desires toclean filtration member 78, it may be pivoted in the direction shown byarrow A in FIG. 6 to an open or cleaning position. It will be noticedthat access door 82 may be opened independently of pivoting bottom 66.In an alternate embodiment, it will be appreciated that a pivotingbottom 66 need not be provided.

Preferably, at least a portion of and, more preferably, all of accessdoor 82 is transparent. Accordingly, a user may lift the vacuum cleaner,invert the vacuum cleaner or tilt the vacuum cleaner on its side to viewfiltration member 78 and determine whether filtration 78 requirescleaning or, alternately, replacement.

In accordance with any embodiment of this invention, a series ofscreening and filtration members may be used in series downstream fromthe cyclone chamber of cyclone 16. In accordance with this preferredembodiment, the screening and filtration members comprise a screen 78,which is preferably positioned adjacent outlet 36, a foam filter 22downstream from screen 78, a felt filter 22 downstream from foam 20 anda HEPA filter 24 downstream from felt filter 22. Preferably, all ofthese filters are positioned upstream from suction motor 26.Alternately, one or more of these filters may be positioned downstreamfrom suction motor 26. In particular HEPA filter 24 may be downstreamfrom suction motor 26. Accordingly, a plurality of screening andfiltration members, each of which have a finer filtration capacity (e.g.smaller pores) are provided in series in the downstream direction.Optionally, a shroud (e.g. a perforated or apertured plastic cover) maybe provided surrounding or overlying inlet 50 of outlet 36.

It will be appreciated that the end portion may be openable by any meansknown in the art. For example, it may be translatable, slidable orremovably mounted, such as by a screw or bayonet mount or a snap fit.Preferably, it is not removably mounted, but remains affixed to thefiltration housing when opened, such as by being pivotally mounted asexemplified.

It will be appreciated that the end portion may be oriented such that itis the lower portion of the dirt collection chamber 18 (e.g. FIGS. 1-6and 9-13) and accordingly comprises a dirt collection surface. However,it need not be, provided that it intersects the longitudinal axis of thecyclone (e.g. FIGS. 7-8).

It will be appreciated that the end portion may be distal to dirt outlet28 (e.g., FIGS. 1-6 and 9-11) or may face dirt outlet 28 (e.g., FIGS.7-10).

FIGS. 14-18 exemplify an upright vacuum cleaner optionally having aremovably mounted portable surface cleaning apparatus, optionally a handvacuum cleaner, wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatuspreferably has a nozzle having an open sided air flow chamber. It willbe appreciated that the portable surface cleaning apparatus may be ofany construction (e.g., a hand vacuum cleaner) and may use anyparticular air treatment member (e.g., one or more cyclones comprisingone or more cyclonic cleaning stages and one or more filters). It willalso be appreciated that the upright structure to which the portablesurface cleaning apparatus is removably attached may be of anyparticular design. Further, the floor cleaning unit may alternately, orin addition, use an open sided nozzle and may selectively receive anauxiliary cleaning tool.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, a first example of a surface cleaningapparatus 100 is shown. The surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a vacuumcleaner that comprises a floor cleaning unit 200 comprising a surfacecleaning head 300 having a support structure 210 pivotally mountedthereto and a portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 that is removablymounted to support structure 210. Support structure 210 may also bereferred to as a handle, a backbone or an upright section.

In the example shown, the handle 210 has an upper portion 214 and alower portion 216 that are optionally pivotally connected by a hinge218. The handle 210 is attached to the surface cleaning head 300 and auser can move the surface cleaning head 300 along a surface to becleaned by gripping and maneuvering the handle 210. Optionally, thelower portion 216 of the handle 210 can be hingedly or pivotallyattached to the surface cleaning head 300, so that the lower portion 216of the handle 210 can move relative to the surface cleaning head 300during use. This may enable the user to move the surface cleaning head300 beneath cabinets, furniture or other obstacles.

The upper portion 214 of the handle optionally includes a grip 212 thatis shaped to be gripped by a user. In the example shown, the grip 212 isat the top, or upper end of the upper portion 214 of the handle 210 andis formed in a closed loop-type shape having surfaces that are roundedto increase user comfort. In other examples, the grip 212 may be of adifferent configuration or may be located at a different position on theupper portion 214 of the handle 210.

In addition to the grip 212, the upper portion 214 of the handle 210optionally includes a bracket 113 that supports an auxiliary, oraccessory or supplemental cleaning tool 112. In the example shown, thebracket 113 is configured to hold a single auxiliary cleaning tool 112,but in other examples the bracket 113 may be configured to hold morethan one auxiliary cleaning tool 112. Also, while shown attached to theupper portion 214, it is understood that the bracket 113 may be attachedto other locations on the surface cleaning apparatus, including thelower portion 216, the surface cleaning head 300 and/or the hand vacuum400.

In the example shown, the upper and lower portions 214, 216 have agenerally cylindrical or tube-like shape. However, in other examples,the upper and lower portions 214, 216 may any other type of thin supportmembers having suitable cross-sectional shape including square,rectangular or polygonal. In addition, the upper and lower portions 214,216 may be solid or hollow and may be formed from any suitable material,including plastic and metal. In other embodiments, it will beappreciated that handle may be a single unit, e.g., a support rod suchthat upper and lower portions 214, 216 are part of the same element.Alternately, upright section 210 may comprise a frame for removablyreceiving a portable surface cleaning apparatus.

The upper and lower portions 214, 216 of the handle 210 are optionallypivotally joined by hinge 218. When the hinge 218 is in a firstposition, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 17 and 18 the upper and lowerportions 214, 216 of the handle 210 are generally aligned with eachother. The hinge 218 is retained in this first position by a biasing orlocking means so that first portion 214 of the handle 210 remains in agenerally vertical aligned with lower portion 216 when not in use and sothat movements of the first portion 214 of the handle 210 can betranslated to the second portion 216. In use, the hinge 218 can beunlocked, or released from the first position and can move into a secondposition, wherein the grip 212 is preferably rotated forwardly.

In the example shown, the grip 212 comprises a hinge release 213 thatcan be activated by a user during use of vacuum cleaner 100 to unlockthe hinge 218. When a user activates the hinge release 213, theretaining or locking means used to secure the hinge 218 in the firstposition is disengaged, allowing the hinge 218 to rotate or pivot, asshown in FIG. 16 a. As the hinge 218 rotates, the first portion 214 ofthe handle 210 can be moved into a plurality of angular positionsrelative to the second portion 216 handle 210. Optionally, the hinge 218may rotate between, and lock into, a given number of set or indexedangular positions. Alternatively, the rotation of the hinge 218 may becontinuously variable, after being initially unlocked, allowing for thefirst portion 214 to be moved into an indefinite number of angularpositions relative to the second portion 216 (e.g., freely rotatable).

In the example of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown, the lower portion 214 ofthe handle 210 extends from the hinge 218 to the surface cleaning head300 and optionally comprises the portable surface cleaning apparatusmount 220 for receiving and supporting the hand vacuum 400. The lowerportion 216 also optionally comprises a hose guide 230 for keeping theflexible hose 125 in close proximity to the backbone 200. When theportable surface cleaning apparatus 400 is detached or removed from thebackbone 200 the flexible hose 125 may be removed from the hose guide230, as shown in FIG. 16 a.

The surface cleaning head 300 serves as a base portion of the vacuumcleaner 100 and is preferably in rolling contact with the surface to becleaned. When the vacuum cleaner is 100 in an upright position (asexemplified in FIGS. 14, 15, 17 and 18) the surface cleaning head 300 issupported by optional main or rear wheels 320 and/or optional frontwheels (not shown). However, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is moved intoan angled position during use (as exemplified in FIG. 16 a) additionaloptional support wheel 321 that is provided on upright section 210 mayalso roll across the surface to be cleaned. In other examples of thevacuum cleaner 100 the surface cleaning head 300 may include a greateror fewer number of wheels.

The surface cleaning head 300 also comprises a dirty air inlet 310 thatis connected in fluid communication with a dirty air outlet 312 by oneor more dirty air conduits (not shown). Preferably, the dirty airconduit is an air flow chamber wherein at least a portion of the lowerside is open.

If the upright section includes a suction motor and/or an air treatmentunit, then the dirty air outlet 312 may, in turn, be coupled, optionallyremovably coupled, to the upstream end of the conduit, preferably aflexible hose 125, that extends from the dirty air outlet 312 of thesurface cleaning head 300 to the upright section, such as the attachmentmember air inlet 126. The fluid pathway may continue through theattachment member passageway 128, which terminates in attachment portionair outlet 127, and through attachment portion air outlet 127 whichmates with the opening 438 of the portable cleaning apparatus 400. Theconnection between the attachment portion 120 and the portable cleaningapparatus 400 is discussed in greater detail below.

Mount 220 is preferably configured to removably receive a portion of theportable surface cleaning apparatus and/or an attachment memberremovably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. The mountis preferably configured to retain portable surface cleaning apparatustherein under the influence of gravity. Accordingly, a mechanical lockneed not be used. In particular, a user may lift the portable surfacecleaning apparatus off of upright section 210 without having to press abutton or otherwise release a mechanical lock.

As exemplified in FIGS. 14-18 the mount 220 may be generally U-shapedand may be sized to receive collar 140 or other mounting portion of theattachment member 120. The inner surface of the mount 220 comprises aprotrusion 222 that extends outward from the inner surface of the mount220 and removably seats within the generally U-shaped channel 144 of thecollar 140. It will be appreciated that mount 220 may comprise more thanone member, as exemplified in FIGS. 27-28.

The mount 220 may be located in a variety of locations along the lengthof the second portion 216. Preferably, the mount 220 is positioned atapproximately the waist height of the intended user (e.g., 2.5-3.5 feetabove the floor) so that the user can attached or detach the hand vacuum400 from the backbone 200 without bending over. This may decrease thestress and strain experienced by the user when the user removes the handvacuum 400 from the backbone 200.

When attached to the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 and seatedin the mount 220 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15), the attachment member120 transfers all or a portion of the load (i.e. the weight) of the handvacuum 400 to the mount 220. Another portion of the load of the handvacuum 400 may be supported by an additional mounting bracket, such asmount bracket 224, which receives and supports optional rear wheel 480of the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400. The surface of the mountbracket 224 may be complimentary to the curved shape of the optionalrear wheel 480 so that the optional rear wheel 480 can at leastpartially nest within mount bracket 224. In addition to supporting theweight of the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400, the attachmentportion 120 also preferably serves as a fluid conduit establishing afluid flow connection between the hand vacuum 400 and the airflowconduit 110, which is preferably a flexible hose 125.

Loads placed on the mount 220 (via both the U-shaped opening and/or themount bracket 224) are in turn transferred via the lower portion 216 ofthe handle 210 to the surface cleaning head 300 and ultimately to thefloor or other type of surface being cleaned. The mount 220 may be madefrom any material that can support the weight of the hand vacuum 400,including plastic and metal.

In the example of the vacuum cleaner 100 shown, the optional rear wheel480 of hand vacuum 400 and the attachment member 121 are each preferablyfreely received by the mount 220 and held in place by gravity. Theprotrusion 222 that seats within the channel 144 of the attachmentmember 121 also provides a degree of lateral support, restraining themovement of the attachment member 121 (and therefore the hand vacuum400) when the handle 210 is moved from a vertical position to an angledposition when in use. Further protrusion 222 may comprise a cam surfaceto assist in guiding protrusion 222 into channel 144 as the portablesurface cleaning apparatus is lowered onto mount 220. Accordingly, theattachment member 121 and the optional rear wheel 480 are preferably notheld in place by clips, straps or any other type of mechanical fasteningmeans.

The absence of mechanical fasters allows for simple, one-handed removalof the attachment member 121 and the hand vacuum 400 from the mount 220,without the need to unlock or undo any fasteners. One-handed detachmentof the hand vacuum 400 may be advantageous as it allows a user tocontrol and maneuver the backbone 200 with one hand while simultaneouslyremoving the hand vacuum 400 from the mount 220 with the other hand. Inuse, this may allow a user to frequently attach and detach the portablesurface cleaning apparatus 400 from the mount 220 in response to theuser's needs, for example navigating around furniture, stairs or otherobstacles on the surface to be cleaned.

While in the preferred example described above the mount 220 is free offasteners, in another example the mount 220 may be outfitted withfastening devices for retaining the attachment member 121 and theadditional wheel 480. Examples of possible fasteners include clips,snaps, and straps. Magnets may alternately or in addition be used. Anadvantage of using magnets may assist in holding the portable surfacecleaning apparatus on the backbone but still permit one handed removalas no lock need be released.

Optionally, instead of removing the attachment portion 121 from themount 220, the hand vacuum 400 may be decoupled from the attachmentportion while the attachment portion is positioned in mount 220, asshown in FIG. 18. In an embodiment, it will be appreciated thatattachment member 121 may not be removable from mount 220.

Referring to FIGS. 28-32 and 36-38, other examples of the vacuum cleaner100 are shown. These figures exemplify features of a surface cleaningapparatus that may be used with any embodiment disclosed in herein,either individually or in any particular combination or sub-combination.The features exemplified in these figures include a surface cleaninghead, a support structure for an upright or stick vacuum cleaner, and ahandle mount for a surface cleaning apparatus.

In this description, alternate structures for supporting an airtreatment unit and/or a suction motor are provided. In one embodiment,as exemplified in FIGS. 28-32, the second portion 216 may include agenerally upside down U-shaped wishbone portion 250. The wishbone 250 isoptionally provided with a hinge 218 at the centre of an upper portionof the wishbone 252, and each prong 254 of the wishbone extendsdownward, and connects to a rib 256. The ribs 256 are preferablysubstantially parallel and cooperate to define an optional mount forreceiving a removable surface cleaning unit, such as the split saddleconfiguration that is exemplified. Optionally, the ribs 256 may beintegrally formed with the prongs 254 of the wishbone portion 250, orthey may be separate tubes or rods fastened to the prongs 254 of thewishbone 250, as shown.

A preferred mount comprises a pair of generally opposing saddle flanges280 (one on each rib) that cooperate to provide a mount or a mountinglocation for the attachment member 121 that is connected to the handvacuum 400. Due to the spacing of the ribs 256 and the general curvatureof the hand vacuum 400, the hand vacuum 400 is preferably positioned infront of ribs 256. The attachment member 121 extends rearward of handvacuum 400 and may be received on split saddle flanges 280 in a similarmanner to mount 220. Alternately, it will be appreciated that handvacuum 400 may be partially nest between, or be received between, theribs 256.

As exemplified, to supportingly engage the attachment member 121, eachsaddle flange 280 preferably includes a projection or protrusion (notshown) that is received within the channel 142 of the collar 140 (asdescribed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 24-27 below). Thegenerally curved profile of the collar 140 and channel 142 may enablethe attachment member 121 (and the associated hand vacuum 400) togenerally self-level or self-register between the ribs 256 when the userinitially places the attachment member 121 on the saddle flanges 280.Like the mount 220 described above, the saddle flanges 280 may includemagnets or other fastening devices to secure or retain the attachmentmember 121. Optionally, the mount 220 or any other suitable type ofmounting hardware may replace the saddle flanges 280 in this example.

The lower ends of the ribs 256 may be attached to a bracket 260 having agenerally opposite configuration than the wishbone. That is, the bracketmay include two, upward facing projections 262, for attaching to theribs 256, that are connected by a cross-member 264 to provide a singledownward facing coupling point 266. The spaced apart ribs provide twomounting points. Various such structures may be used.

Preferably, lower portion 216 is rotatably mounted to the cleaning head.Accordingly, a user may rotate grip 212 clockwise or counterclockwise toassist in steering the cleaning head. Accordingly an advantage ofproviding a single, downward facing coupling point may be the fact thata single coupling point can be pivotally and rotationally connected tothe surface cleaning head 300. Another advantage is that a narrower rearend may be utilized for the floor cleaning unit.

Accordingly, as exemplified, the bracket 260 preferably also includes ahousing 268, which is preferably hollow, having a lower opening 270 thatconnects to the surface cleaning head 300. As exemplified, housing 268may be pivotally mounted to surface cleaning head, preferably at aboutthe location of rear wheels 320, such as by having a portion pivotallymounted to the axle of rear wheels 320. Optionally, the connectionbetween the lower opening 270 and the surface cleaning head 300 can be arotatable and pivotal connection. The hollow housing 268 may extend fromthe lower opening 270, through the cross-member 264 to define an uppercollar 272.

Optionally, as in this example, the surface cleaning head 300 includes ahollow conduit member 330 and a second air conduit 334. As exemplifiedin FIGS. 30-32, one example of the second air conduit 334 is a secondflexible hose 335. In the preferred arrangement shown, the dirty airoutlet 312 of the surface cleaning head 300 is connected to the secondor upstream flexible hose 335 and the second flexible hose 335 extendsfrom the dirty air outlet 312, through the hollow conduit member 330,through the hollow housing 268 to the upper collar 272. The downstreamend of the second flexible hose 335 may be fixedly connected to theupper collar 272, or it may have a fitting that seats upon a surface ofthe upper collar 272 preventing the second flexible hose 335 fromretracting within the hollow housing 268 while leaving the downstreamend of the second flexible hose 335 free to extend upward, away from theupper collar 272.

The second flexible hose 335 forms part of the continuous airflowpassageway that connects the dirty air outlet 312 of the surfacecleaning head 300 to the opening 438 on the hand vacuum 400. Toestablish the continuous airflow passageway, the downstream end of thesecond upstream flexible hose 335 may be connected to the upstream endof the downstream flexible hose 125. The connection between the flexiblehose 125 and the downstream end of the second flexible hose 335 ispreferably a detachable connection so that the flexible hose 125 can bedetached from the surface cleaning head 300 as described above.

Optionally, the second flexible hose 335 is also an extensible, orstretchable, hose that can extend when pulled on by the user. In someexamples, the second flexible hose 335 is a stretch hose and may have astretched length to non-stretched length ratio of between 2:1-6:1. Inexamples where the second flexible hose 335 is not stretchable, when auser removes the hand vacuum 400 from its mount during use, the maximumdistance that the hand vacuum 400 can be separated from the backbone 200and the surface cleaning head 300 is determined by the length of theflexible hose 125. However, in some instances, a user may wish to movethe hand vacuum 400 a greater distance from the backbone 200, forexample to pass the surface cleaning head 300 under a bed or other largepiece of furniture. When a stretchable second flexible hose 335 is used,the downstream end of the second flexible hose 335 can unseat from theupper collar 272 and extend away from the bracket 260, whereby some ofhose 335 may pass through housing 268 thereby lengthening the airflowconduit connecting the hand vacuum 400 to the surface cleaning head 300and allowing the hand vacuum 400 to be moved further from the backbone200 in use. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that some or all of theconduit that may be extended to provide additional length for an airflow passage may be stored on the surface cleaning head 300.

It will be appreciated that lower section 216 may be rotatably mountedon cleaning head 300 without hose 335 extending through a housing 268.Further, a housing 268 may be used even if lower section 216 is notrotatably mounted to cleaning head 300. Such a housing need not bepivotally mounted to surface cleaning head.

Preferably, the second flexible hose 335 is also resilient so that itwill return to its original, un-stretched length when it is released bythe user. The resilience of the second flexible hose 335 may tend toretract the second flexible hose 335 through the hollow housing 268 andthe hollow conduit member 330 and may serve to re-seat the downstreamend of the second flexible hose 335 on the upper collar 272. In thisexample, the second flexible hose 335 functions as a variable length airconduit and may reduce the need for a user to add extra hoses or conduitmembers to the vacuum 100 during use.

To allow for easy and repeated extension of the second flexible hose335, the second flexible hose 335 may be sized to freely pass throughboth the hollow conduit member 330 of the surface cleaning head 300 andthe hollow housing 268 of the bracket 260.

In the example shown in FIG. 28-32, the hollow housing 268 is integralthe bracket 260 and also serves as the coupling means that connects thelower portion 216 to the surface cleaning head 300. As shown, thecoupling between the lower portion 216 and the surface cleaning head 300may be the telescoping or overlapping engagement of the lower opening270 over the surface cleaning head 300 hollow conduit member 330. Inother examples, the coupling or attachment between the lower portion 216and the surface cleaning head 300 may be any type of connectionincluding a threaded connection, clamps or tabs. The connection betweenthe lower portion 216 and the surface cleaning head 300 may be fixed orselectively releasable. An advantage of providing a single, downwardfacing coupling point 266 may be the fact that a single coupling point266 can be pivotally and rotationally connected to the surface cleaninghead 300. Further, the hollow conduit member 330 may be pivotallyconnected to the surface cleaning head 300, as exemplified in FIGS.28-32, and in other examples, the hollow conduit member 330 may befixedly connected to the surface cleaning head 300, or integrally formedtherewith.

As shown, the hollow housing 268 may be integral with the bracket 260and provide both a hollow passageway and an attachment point. However,in other examples, the hollow housing 268 may be external the bracket260 and may be formed from a separate conduit. Similarly, the air flowconduit 110 connecting the attachment member 121 to the second flexiblehose 335 may be the flexible hose 125 or any other suitable conduit,including flexible conduits, rigid conduits, conduits integral with thehandle and conduits external the handle.

Optionally, the ribs 256 (or another portion of the second portion 216)may be surrounded by a housing or shell. The housing may providestructural strength to the second portion 216 or it may merely providean improved aesthetic appearance of the vacuum 100, or both. If ahousing is formed around a section of the second portion 216 (or anyother section of the handle 210 or backbone 200) the mount forsupporting the hand vacuum (for example the mount 220 or the saddleflanges 260) may be within a recess in the housing. Providing a recessin the housing for receiving the hand vacuum may create a moreintegrated or seamless visual appearance when the hand vacuum is mountedto the backbone 200; it may also improve the rigidity of the backbone200.

As exemplified, wishbone portion 250 preferably extends forwardly andprovides a mount for upper portion 214 (i.e. the handle) at a forwardpoint of the backbone. Further, passageway 268 extends rearwardly.Accordingly, when hand vacuum 400 is mounted to the backbone, the centreof gravity of the backbone and hand vacuum 400 combined is below a planeP extending from the axle of rear wheel 320 to the upper end of upperportion 214 (as exemplified in FIG. 30), thereby improvingmaneuverability of surface cleaning head 300. It will be appreciatedthat other constructions, such as that exemplified in FIGS. 14-18, maybe used to position the centre of gravity behind the plane. In theexample shown (best exemplified in FIG. 18), the lower portion 216includes an upper end, that is connected to the hinge 218 such that theupper portion 214 is drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head300. In this construction the lower end includes a step-back orkinked-back portion 215. The step-back portion 215 enables the mount 220to be positioned sufficiently behind the rear wheels 320 such that thecentre of gravity of the combination of the backbone 200 and the handvacuum 400 is below the plane P. As a result of this configuration, thevacuum 100 may be more stable when rotated and maneuvered by the user,especially when upper portion 214 is rotated about hinge 218.Specifically, locating the centre of gravity of the combination of thehand vacuum 400 and the backbone 200 below the plane P may tend toreduce the over rotation of the backbone 200 or over-steer of the vacuum100 in use, and may reduce the strain on a user's arm and wrist.

It will be appreciated that the dual hose construction (i.e. theflexible hose 125 and the second flexible hose 335 of FIG. 28-32) may beused in combination with any example disclosed herein or by itself in asurface cleaning apparatus. Similarly, the positioning of a removablymounted portable surface cleaning apparatus with a low centre of gravitymay be used in combination with any example disclosed herein or byitself in a surface cleaning apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 36-38, another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 100includes a portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 removably mounted tothe backbone 200, which in this embodiment includes the upper portion214 and the lower portion 216. Backbone 200 is pivotally connected tothe surface cleaning head 300, which includes the dirty air inlet 310and is rolling supported above the floor by rear wheels 320.

The portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 is fluidly connected to thesurface cleaning head 300 by the air conduit 110 that comprises thesubstantially rigid upper and lower portions 214, 216 and the flexiblehose 125. In this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be operatedin a floor cleaning mode as an upright vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, as described in detail above, a user can detach the portablesurface cleaning apparatus 400 from the backbone 200, as shown in FIGS.37 and 38, so that the user can hold the portable surface cleaningapparatus 400, or rest it on the ground, separately from the backbone200 and surface cleaning head 300. To configure the vacuum cleaner 100in this manner, a user can remove the portable surface cleaningapparatus 400 from the mount portion 220 of the backbone 200.

In this example, as exemplified in FIG. 37, the mount portion 220 is agenerally tubular section 216 a of the lower portion 216 that isreceived within a corresponding slot or aperture in the portable surfacecleaning apparatus 400. In some examples, the corresponding slot is agenerally complimentary, tubular or cylindrical opening in a lowerportion of the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 that is sized andconfigured to removably receive the tubular section 216 a. Optionally,as exemplified, both the tubular section 216 a and the correspondingslot can form part of the air flow passage 110 that communicably linksthe dirty air inlet 310 to the portable surface cleaning apparatus 100.Accordingly, the connection between the tubular section 216 a and theslot in the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 can also include areleasable sealing member, for example a rubber o-ring, to provide agenerally air-tight connection between the lower portion 216 and theportable surface cleaning apparatus 400.

In some examples the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 is held onthe tubular section 216 a by gravity, and is free from any locking orlatching mechanisms. In other examples, the connection between thetubular section 216 a and the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400can include a user operable lock or latching mechanism to securely holdthe portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 in place when the vacuumcleaner 100 is in use as an upright vacuum cleaning.

As exemplified in FIGS. 36-38, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be operated inat least two operating modes when the portable surface cleaningapparatus 400 is removed from the backbone 200. In one configuration, asexemplified in FIG. 37, the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 canbe removed from fluid communication with the surface cleaning head 300and can be operated as an above floor cleaning apparatus. In thisconfiguration the upper portion 214 can be released from portablesurface cleaning apparatus 400 and serve as an auxiliary cleaning tool.Optionally, the upper portion 214 can include a rigid cleaning wandportion 214 a that can be used to extend the cleaning reach of a user.The cleaning wand portion 214 a can also be configured to receiveadditional auxiliary cleaning tools 112 as described above. In someexamples, the cleaning wand portion 214 a can be detached from the gripportion 212, which can then be used to clean surfaces directly, or tosupport auxiliary cleaning tools 112.

In another configuration, as exemplified in FIG. 38, when the portablesurface cleaning apparatus 400 is detached from the backbone 200 theupper portion 214 and be re-connected to the lower portion 216 (forexample by sliding over the tubular mount section 216 a), so that thedetached portable surface cleaning apparatus 400 can remain in fluidcommunication with the surface cleaning head 300. In this configuration,the backbone 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be maneuvered as anupright vacuum cleaner without the added weight and bulk of the portablesurface cleaning apparatus 400, as explained in greater detail withrespect to the previous example with reference to FIG. 16 a.

In the previous example the portable surface cleaning apparatus 400could optionally be detached from the backbone 200 without interruptingthe air flow connection between the portable surface cleaning apparatus400 and the surface cleaning head 300. In the present example(exemplified in FIGS. 36-38), detaching the portable surface cleaningapparatus 400 from the backbone 200 temporarily interrupts the air flowpassage from the surface cleaning head 300 to the portable surfacecleaning apparatus 400, but the air flow passage can be reestablished byre-configuring the upper and lower portions 214, 216 as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-27, examples of the portable cleaningapparatus 400 and the attachment member 121 of the vacuum 100 are shownin more detail. It will be appreciated that any portable surfacecleaning apparatus may be used. Preferably, the portable surfacecleaning apparatus uses cyclonic separation. More preferably, theportable surface cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner.

The hand vacuum 400 can be operated as the vacuum suction supply for thevacuum 100 and it can be operated as a stand alone hand vacuum cleaner,that is movable along a surface to be cleaned by gripping andmaneuvering handle 402, when it is removed from, or detached from thebackbone 200. The hand vacuum 400 includes an upper portion 404, a lowerportion 406, a front 408, and a rear 410. In the example shown,maneuvering handle 402 is provided at the upper portion 404. Inalternate examples, maneuvering handle 402 may be provided elsewhere onthe vacuum cleaner 400, for example at the rear 410.

In the example shown, the hand vacuum 400 comprises a nozzle 412 and acyclone unit 414, which together preferably form a cleaning head portion416 of the hand vacuum 400. In the example shown, the cleaning headportion 416 is provided at the front 408 of the hand vacuum 400.

Nozzle 412 comprises a dirty air inlet 418, through which dirty air isdrawn into the portable cleaning apparatus 400, and when used as a handvacuum cleaner the nozzle 412 directly engages a surface to be cleaned.An airflow passage extends from the dirty air inlet 418 to a clean airoutlet 420 of the hand vacuum 400. In the example shown, clean airoutlet 420 is at the rear 410 of the hand vacuum 400. It will beappreciated that clean air outlet may optionally be connected to a fluidconduit provided in the floor cleaning unit.

Cyclone unit 414 is provided in the airflow passage, downstream of thedirty air inlet 418. In the example shown, the cyclone unit 414comprises one cyclone 422, and one dirt chamber 424. In alternateexamples, the cyclone unit 410 may include more than one cyclone, andmore than one dirt chamber. Further, the cyclones chambers may bearranged in stages, and may be provided in parallel or in sequence.Alternately, or in addition, one or more filters or other dirtseparation members may be used.

In a preferred embodiment, cyclone unit 414 is the first cycloniccleaning stage of an upright vacuum cleaner and one or more additionalcyclonic stages may optionally be provided. Cyclone unit 414 preferablycomprises an inverted cyclone and/or a dirt collection chamber thatpartially or completely surrounds a cyclone chamber.

Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, an example of a cyclone unit 414 is shownin more detail. Within the cyclone unit 414, the cyclone 422 may be ofany configuration and orientation. Preferably, cyclone 422 comprises achamber wall 442, which in the example shown, is cylindrical. Thecyclone chamber is located inside chamber wall 442. The cyclone 422 hasan air inlet and an air outlet, which, preferably are at the same end ofcyclone 422. Preferably the air inlet and the air outlet are distal tofront end of the hand vacuum 400. The cyclone air inlet and cyclone airoutlet may be of any configuration known in the art and the cyclone airoutlet may be covered by a screen or shroud or filter as is known in theart.

The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the airis separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via an outletpassage 444. As exemplified in FIG. 34, a plate 474 may be providedadjacent outlet passage 444, spaced from and facing the outlet passage444. As exemplified in FIG. 35, the cyclone outlet passage 444 maycomprise a vortex finder 482, upstream from and in communication withthe dirt outlet 446. As exemplified, the vortex finder is a cylindricalconduit, having an inlet facing the dirt outlet 446.

In the example shown, plate 474, legs 478 and a wire mesh surroundinglegs 478 form a shroud 484 that is optionally removably mounted incyclone 422.

Preferably, the shroud 484 is positioned such that air must pass throughthe openings in the shroud prior to traveling to a downstream component(e.g., a further cyclonic stage or a suction motor). As exemplified, theshroud surrounds the cyclone air outlet, or outlet passage 444. Theshroud 484 may serve to prevent elongate material and larger, lighterdirt from passing through dirt outlet 446. As exemplified, the shroud484 surrounds the vortex finder 482. Legs 478 extend from plate 474,along vortex finder 482. As exemplified, the shroud 484 also comprises aring 485 that is integral with legs 478 and surrounds vortex finder 482.The ring and legs provide a mount for plate 474. Optionally, a screenextends from plate 474, around legs 478, to ring 485. Accordingly, thescreen is positioned in the air flow path of air exiting the cyclonechamber and entering the vortex finder 482. It will be appreciated thatin alternate embodiments, the shroud may be any other suitableconfiguration. For example, a plate need not be provided. In anotherexample, the plate may be provided as part of the vortex finder. Theshroud screen may be made of a wire mesh. Alternately, shroud 484 may bea molded plastic covering vortex finder 482 and may have a plurality ofapertures therein.

Optionally, the dirt chamber may be internal or external to the cyclonechamber. Preferably, as exemplified in FIGS. 33-35, the dirt chamber 424is external the outer cyclone housing 442, and the dirt that isseparated from the air exits the outer cyclone housing 442 via dirtoutlet 446, and enters dirt chamber 424. In the example shown, the dirtchamber 424 has an outer wall 415 that comprises a first portion 425 anda second portion 427. The second portion 427 may also be referred to asa door or outlet end wall. Together, the first and second portions 425,427 cooperate to define a sealed dirt chamber 424. As exemplified, thefirst and second portions 425, 427 of the dirt chamber outer wall 415may also form the outer housing, casing or unit wall of the cyclone unit414, and more generally of the cleaning head portion 416 of the handvacuum 400. In other examples, the first and second portions 425, 427 ofthe dirt chamber outer wall, or portions thereof, may be surrounded by aseparate housing, casing or wall structure that defines the outersurface of the cyclone unit 414 and the cleaning head portion 416 of thehand vacuum 400. Also, the dirt chamber 424 may be in communication withthe cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one ormore dirt outlets may be provided. Preferably, the dirt outlet is at theend opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at thefront end of the hand vacuum 400.

In the example shown, the dirt chamber 424 comprises two volumes. Afirst volume 448 is provided immediately adjacent the dirt outlet 446,and above the top of the outer cyclone housing 442, when the hand vacuum400 is mounted on the backbone 200. A second volume 450 is the generallyannular space formed between the outer cyclone housing 442 and the firstportion 425 of the dirt chamber outer wall 415.

A separation plate 454 may be provided in the dirt chamber 424, adjacentthe dirt outlet 446. The separation plate 454 aids in preventing dirt indirt chamber 424 from re-entering cyclone 422. Preferably, plate 454 isspaced from dirt outlet 446 and faces dirt outlet 446. Plate 454 may bemounted by any means to any component in cyclone unit 414. Asexemplified, the separation plate is mounted on an arm, which extendsfrom an inner surface of the front wall 458 of the hand vacuum 400.

When the vacuum 100 is used to clean a surface the dirt separated fromthe dirty air is collected in and retained in the dirt chamber 424. Whenthe hand vacuum 400 is mounted on the backbone 200, gravity will urgethe dirt toward the bottom the dirt chamber 424 as exemplified in FIG.33 (that is, toward the air outlet 420 and away from the second portion427 of the dirt chamber outer wall 415). As a result of ongoing orextended use of the vacuum 100, the amount of dirt collected within dirtchamber 424 will increase. As the amount of dirt contained within thedirt chamber 424 increases, the level of dirt within the dirt chamber424 will rise, relative to the bottom of the dirt chamber 424 asexemplified in FIG. 33. Over time, the level of dirt within the dirtchamber 424 will approach an optional designated fill line F indicatedon at least one side of the first portion 425 of the dirt chamber outerwall 415.

The position of the fill line F may be based on the performancecharacteristics of the cyclone 422 including the height of the cycloneouter surface 442 or other suitable factors. As exemplified in FIG. 33,the location of the fill line F may be below the top of the cycloneouter housing 442 and the dirt outlet 446 (when the hand vacuum 400 isvertically mounted on the backbone 200). Locating the fill line F belowthe dirt outlet 446 may reduce the likelihood of dirt re-entering theouter cyclone housing 442 and fouling the cyclone 422 or otherwiseinterfering with the operation of the hand vacuum 400. Optionally, thefill line F may be defined by the edge of the second portion 427 of thedirt chamber wall 415, instead of a line on the first portion 425.

In the example shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the first portion 425 of thedirt chamber outer wall 415 is transparent (or at least substantiallytransparent) to allow a user to see the amount of dirt contained withinthe dirt chamber 424 without having to open or otherwise access the dirtchamber 424. When the hand vacuum is mounted on the backbone 200, a userlooking into the dirt chamber 424 may be able to compare the height ofthe dirt in the dirt chamber 424 to the position of the fill line F todetermine if the dirt chamber 424 is “full”. Being able to see theamount of dirt in the dirt chamber 424 may enable a user to determinehow much capacity remains within the dirt chamber 424, and accordinglyanticipate how much additional cleaning can be completed before the dirtchamber 424 needs to be emptied. While the first portion 425 of the dirtchamber outer wall 415 is preferably transparent to allow a user to seeinside the dirt chamber 424, the outer cyclone housing 442 is preferablyopaque to conceal the cyclone 422 and to provide a contrastingbackground to allow the user to accurately determine the height of thedirt within the dirt chamber 424.

Due to the operation of the cyclone 422 and configuration of the dirtoutlet 446, it may impede the operation of the vacuum 100 (and the handvacuum 400) if the dirt outlet 446 is substantially blocked or occludedby the accumulated dirt in the dirt chamber 424. To reduce the chancesof the dirt outlet 446 being blocked by dirt the fill line F may belocated below the dirt outlet 446 as exemplified. The position of thefill line F may also be based on a maximum volume of the dirt chamberbelow the fill line F so that when the hand vacuum 400 is operated onits side, as a hand vacuum, the dirt in the dirt chamber 424 will notcompletely submerge the cyclone outer housing 442 and the dirt outlet446. Optionally, the first portion 425 of the dirt chamber outer wall415 may include a second fill line that is oriented to be read when thehand vacuum 400 is in a sideways orientation. The dirt chamber 424 mayalso include a plurality of additional indicator lines, such as ahalf-full line and a quarter-full line.

Despite the presence of the fill line F indicating the maximum intendedcapacity of the dirt chamber 424, a user may be tempted to continue tooperate the vacuum 100 to collect additional dirt, particularly if itappears that there is additional dirt storage capacity within the dirtchamber 424 above the fill line F, for example dirt chamber volume 448.As described above, filling the dirt chamber 424 above the fill line Fcan impede the operation of the vacuum 100. Therefore, to deter usersfrom over-filling the dirt chamber 424 (i.e. filling above the fill lineF), the second portion 427 of the cyclone unit wall 415 is preferablyopaque (or at least substantially opaque) to visually obscure portionsof the dirt chamber 424 from the user, as exemplified in FIG. 33.Optionally, the first portion 425 may be partially translucent andpartially opaque to further conceal the interior of the dirt chamber424.

The second portion 427 of the dirt chamber outer wall 415 abuts thefirst portion 425 at a joint or juncture. The position of the juncturemay be such that the lowest portion of the juncture (when the handvacuum 400 is vertically mounted on the backbone 200) is proximate thefill line F. Configuring the dirt chamber 424 in this manner may furtherdeter the user from over-filling the dirt chamber 424 because the opaquesecond portion 427 may create the illusion that the dirt chamber 424does not extend much above the fill line F.

This embodiment is particularly preferred. When a user approaches thevacuum cleaner, they may approach it from the front, as seen in FIG. 14.In this orientation, the shortest portion of first portion 425 isvisible. Accordingly, if second portion is an openable lip, and is madefrom a plastic that is less translucent then first portion 415, a usermay determine to empty the dirt collection chamber prior to using thevacuum cleaner if the dirt collection appears to be full due to dirtextending all the way up to the lowest portion of lid 427. It will beappreciated that a fill line need not be marked on the dirt collectionchamber itself.

Cyclone unit 414 may be emptied by any means known in the art. Forexample, one of the ends of the cyclone unit 414 may be openable. Thesecond portion 427 may be a pivotally mounted door to the first portion425 of the cyclone unit wall 415, such that cyclone unit 414 may beopened, and dirt chamber 424 may be emptied. When second portion 427 ispivoted away from the remainder of the cyclone unit 414, separationplate 454 also preferably pivots away from the remainder of the cycloneunit 414. A securing member such as a latch 459, a screw mount or thelike may be provided, which secures second portion 427 to the firstportion 425 of the wall 415. In alternate examples, second portion 427may be removable from cyclone unit wall 415 (As exemplified in FIG. 34)or the opposed end of the cyclone unit 414 may be openable.

In the example shown, the nozzle 412 is positioned at the lower portion406 of the portable cleaning apparatus 400. More preferably, as in theexample shown, nozzle 412 is positioned at the bottom of the portablecleaning apparatus 400, and is preferably beneath the cyclone unit 414when used as a hand vacuum cleaner and is between the cyclone unit 414and the mount 220 when attached to the backbone 200. Further, as in theexample shown, the nozzle 412 is preferably fixedly positioned at thelower portion 406 of the portable cleaning apparatus 400. That is, thenozzle 412 is not movable with respect to the remainder of the portablecleaning apparatus 400, and is fixed at the lower portion 106 of theportable cleaning apparatus 400. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, nozzle 412has a width WN and, as shown in FIG. 24, coupling plate 123 has a widthWp that is generally the same as width WN.

Nozzle 112 exemplifies a particular design for an open sided nozzle.Open sided nozzle 112 has an open side that faces the surface to becleaned when the nozzle is placed against a surface to be cleaned.Accordingly, nozzle 112 defines an air flow chamber that has an openlower side. In operation, air will flow longitudinally through the airflow chamber to an air exit. It will be appreciated that only part ofthe nozzle may have an open lower side. Alternately, all of the nozzle,from an air inlet end to the air outlet, may have an open lower side. Itwill be appreciated that various other design may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-27, nozzle 412 comprises an upper nozzle wall426. In the example shown, the upper nozzle wall 426 comprises a portion419 of a wall 415 of the cyclone unit. Nozzle 412 further preferablycomprises a depending wall 428 extending downwardly from the uppernozzle wall 426. The depending wall 428 is generally U-shaped. Theheight of the depending wall may vary. The open end of the U-shapedefines an open side wall 430 of the nozzle 414, and forms the dirty airinlet 418 of the portable cleaning apparatus 400. In the example shown,the open side wall 430 is provided at the front of the nozzle 414 andforms a portion of a flow passage that is in communication with theopening 438. When in use as a hand vacuum, optional wheels 435 are incontact with a surface and the open side wall 430 sits above and isadjacent a hard surface to be cleaned. It will be appreciated thatdepending wall 428 may be positioned only rearward of opening 438.Alternately, or in addition, depending wall 428 may be provided adjacentthe lateral sides of opening 438. The depending walls may be discretewalls or they may be joined together as exemplified. The walls may becontinuous or discontinuous.

In the example shown, the lower end 432 of the depending wall 428defines an open lower end 434 of the nozzle 414. The open lower end 434extends to the front 408 of the hand vacuum 400, and merges with theopen side 430. In use, the open lower end 434 faces a surface to becleaned. In the example shown, a plurality of wheels 435 are mounted tothe depending wall 428, and extend below the lower end 432 of thedepending wall 428. Accordingly, when in use as a hand vacuum, whenwheels 435 are in contact with a surface, the lower end 432 of thedepending wall 428 is spaced from a surface to be cleaned, and the spacebetween the lower end of the depending wall 428 and the surface to becleaned form a secondary dirty air inlet to the portable cleaningapparatus 400 when used as a hand vacuum.

The upper nozzle wall 426, depending wall 428, and open lower end 434 ofthe nozzle 412 define an airflow chamber 436 of the nozzle. An opening438 is preferably provided in the upper nozzle wall 426, and is incommunication with the airflow chamber 436. When in use as a handvacuum, the wheels 435 are in contact with a surface, the opening 438faces a surface to be cleaned, air enters the dirty air inlet 418,passes horizontally through the airflow chamber 436, and passes into theopening 438. Opening 438 is in communication with a cyclone inletpassage 439, which is in communication with a cyclone air inlet 440 ofcyclone 422. In some embodiments, opening 438 need not be in upper wall426.

Nozzle 412 and attachment member 121 are configured such that attachmentmember 121 may form part of the air flow conduit to opening 438 whenattachment member 121 is mounted to hand vacuum 400. For example, whenthe portable cleaning apparatus 400 is used in combination with thebackbone 200 and the surface cleaning head 300, the opening 438 in thenozzle 412 is in sealed, fluid communication with the air outlet 127 ofthe attachment member 121. By way of this connection, a continuous fluidpathway is established between the dirty air input 310 of the surfacecleaning head 300 and the opening 438.

It will be appreciated that attachment member 121 may be removablymounted to nozzle 412 by any engagement means known in the connectingarts. Further, attachment member may be of any configuration. Attachmentmember may be part of, or may be connected to, an accessory cleaningtool by any means, such as a flexible hose. The flexible hose may behose 110 if hose 110 is removably mounted to the floor cleaning unit.

As exemplified, attachment member 121 is removably engaged with nozzle412 by the engagement of pivoting arms in slots provided on nozzle 412.Accordingly, for example, nozzle 412 may also include a slot 490defining a recess in the depending wall 428 that is adjacent the uppernozzle wall 426. The slot 490 preferably extends continuously along theU-shaped portion of the nozzle depending wall 428 and may be bounded ateach end by corners 492. The attachment member 121 includes two arms 151each having a shoulder 154 and being pivotally connected to the couplingplate 123 using pins 156 (alternatively, the arms 151 could beresilient). FIG. 27 is a partially exploded view of the attachmentmember 121, illustrating one example of the rotational connectionbetween the coupling 142 and the collar 140. In the example shown, thecoupling 142 comprises a cylindrical body wall that passes through anopening in the collar 140. Once the coupling 142 had been inserted intothe collar 140 it is retained using fastening clip 143. The combinationof the coupling plate 123 and the arms 151 may also be described asconnecting portion, mounting portion or nozzle mounting portion of theattachment member 121.

In order to assemble the mount on nozzle 412, coupling plate 123 may beslid into the open end of airflow chamber 436. Accordingly, when thecoupling plate 123 of the attachment portion 121 is slid into theairflow chamber 436, the arms 151 are pressed together by the nozzle 412walls until the point when arms 151 are aligned with slot 490 (i.e. whenthe shoulders 154 are advanced past the corners 492). When the arms 151are aligned with the slot 490, the attachment member 121 is “clicked-in”or locked in place when the arms 151 spread apart and the shoulders 154of the arms 151 become lodged behind the corners 192 of slot 490. Thearms 151 may be manually separated or the attachment member may includea biasing means (not shown) that biases the arms 151 apart. With thearms 151 in the spread configuration the attachment member 121 cannot beslidingly removed from the nozzle 412. When a user wishes to detach theattachment means 121 from the nozzle 412 the user may squeeze upstandingtabs 153 together thereby allowing the shoulders 154 to slide past thecorners 192. The mount may alternately be inserted by squeezingupstanding tabs 153 together so that plate 123 may be inserted inchamber 436.

When the hand vacuum 400 is coupled to the attachment member 121 theairflow chamber 436 may receive, and be partially filled with thecoupling plate 123 of the attachment portion 121. The coupling plate 123is preferably shaped to be slidingly received within the airflow chamber436.

Insertion of the coupling plate 123 into the airflow chamber 436 servesto register the air outlet 127 with the nozzle opening 438. As shown,the air outlet 127 has a width Wo and a length Lo that are preferablythe same as the width Wo and a length Lo of the opening 438. A sealinggasket 123 may provided at the juncture of the openings.

The attachment member 121 and the nozzle 412 may also include aplurality of magnets 158 that magnetically couple the attachment member121 to the nozzle 412 to improve the connection between them and ensurethat air outlet 127 is properly registered with opening 438. It will beappreciated that, in an alternate embodiment, only magnets may be used.Other mounting means may be used. For example, a plurality of latchesmay be used or air outlet 127 may extend into opening 438.

Optionally, when the attachment member 121 is coupled to the portablecleaning apparatus 400, the upstream end of the air conduit 110 (forexample hose 125) can be detached from the surface cleaning head 300 andthe combination of the attachment member 120 and the flexible hose 125(decoupled from the surface cleaning head 300) can serve as an auxiliaryor accessory cleaning tool. The free end of the hose 125 may bemaneuvered by the user to clean objects and surfaces that cannot becleaned using the surface cleaning head 300. In some examples, theupstream end of the flexible hose 125 may be connected to the auxiliarycleaning tool 112. Alternatively, the flexible hose 125 may be removedfrom the attachment member 120 and the auxiliary cleaning tool 112 maybe mounted directly to the air inlet 126 of the attachment member 120.It will be appreciated that tool 112 may have a plate 123 and arms 151provided at the coupling end thereof.

Optionally, the attachment member 120 may be removed from the nozzle 412and the auxiliary cleaning tool 112 may be fitted directly to the nozzle412, without the use of a flexible hose 125 or other type intermediateair conduit. In addition to the auxiliary or accessory cleaning tool112, the nozzle 412 may be directly connected to any one of a number ofcleaning tools that have been provided with the an appropriateattachment member, including wands, brushes, crevasse tools and otherhoses.

Clean air outlet 420 is provided downstream of the cyclone unit 414,suction motor and optional post-motor filter contained optionally withinthe cleaner body 460. Clean air outlet 420 may comprise a plurality ofapertures formed in housing 461. The cleaner body 460 may also containone or more of a separation plate, a dirt chamber a pre-motor filter anda plurality of connecting fluid conduits or passageways.

In the example shown, cleaner body 460 is removably mounted to headportion 416. For example, cleaner body 460 may be entirely removablefrom head portion 416, or pivotably mounted to head portion 416.Accordingly, cleaner body 460 and head portion 416 may be separated inorder to provide access to the interior of cleaner body 460 or headportion 416. This may allow a pre-motor filter to be cleaned, changed,or serviced, or the motor to be cleaned, changed or serviced.Alternately, head portion 416 may be cleaned or serviced. For example,any dirt stuck in the enclosed passages portable cleaning apparatus 400may be removed. Alternately, a replacement cleaner body 460 or headportion 416 may be provided, and may be mounted to an existing headportion 416 or cleaner body 460, respectively.

One or more additional rear wheels 480 may be mounted to housing 461 atlower portion 406, and may be used in conjunction with wheels 435 whenthe portable cleaning apparatus 400 is used as a hand vacuum. When theportable cleaning apparatus 400 is attached to the backbone 200 theadditional wheel 480 preferably engages with the mount bracket 224 andpartially supports the portable cleaning apparatus 400 on the handle 210as described above.

Preferably, as exemplified, the portion of the attachment member 120that is used to mount the attachment member to the backbone may alsocomprise part of the air flow path from surface cleaning head 300 tohand vacuum cleaner 400. For example, the attachment member 120 mayinclude a mounting portion or collar 140 that includes a coupling 142and defines a channel 144. The collar 140 is connected to the airflowpassageway 128, or alternatively may be connected directly to the airconduit 110. Optionally, the coupling 142 is a rotatable coupling thatallows the airflow passageway 128 to rotate relative to the collar 140.The upstream end of the airflow passageway 128 defines the air inlet126. In operation, the air inlet 126 is preferably coupled to theairflow conduit 110 that extends to the surface cleaning head 300 (theflexible air hose 125 in the example shown). The air inlet 126 isreleasably coupled to the flexible air hose by clips 160. Downstream ofthe coupling 142 an enclosed airflow passage connects the airflowpassage 128 to the air outlet 127. It will be appreciated that theattachment member 120 need not comprise part of the air flow passage.For example, coupling 142 may be located out of the flow path defined bypassageway 128. Alternately, plate 123 need not have opening 127.Accordingly, attachment member may have a first part that is secured tohand vacuum 400 and a second distinct part that completes that air flowpassage from surface cleaning head 300 to opening 438.

The airflow passageway 128 may be flexible or rigid and may be generallystraight or may have a curved shape, as shown. Preferably, the curvedairflow passageway 128 subtends fewer than 45 degrees.

It will be appreciated that a construction that uses a dirt collectionchamber that partially or completely surrounds a cyclone in an uprightsurface cleaning apparatus may be used by itself or with any otherfeature disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that an inverted firststage cyclone in an upright surface cleaning apparatus may be used byitself or with any other feature disclosed herein. In addition, any ofthe features disclosed herein may be used by themselves, or with anyother feature, and may include the construction of the dirt collectionchamber to denote a fill line.

It will also be appreciated that any of the aforementioned embodimentsmay be used singly or in any particular combination or sub-combinationof the remaining features listed above.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, if is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims. In addition, citation or identification of anyreference in this application shall not be construed as an admissionthat such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

1. An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning head air outlet and an upright section comprising a handle drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head; (b) a cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the cyclone unit comprising a cyclone having an air inlet located at a lower end of the cyclone and an air outlet and a dirt outlet provided at an upper end of the cyclone, and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone and surrounding at least a portion of the cyclone; (c) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path; and, (d) a surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the handle wherein the surface cleaning unit comprises the cyclone unit and the suction motor.
 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber are concurrently openable.
 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cyclone is positioned interior of the dirt collection chamber.
 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plate facing the dirt outlet.
 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the plate is mounted to an upper end of the cyclone unit.
 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the cyclone is an inverted cyclone having an air inlet and an air outlet at a lower end of the cyclone.
 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vortex finder that is provided on an openable door of the cyclone.
 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises a portion of the air flow path.
 9. An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) a floor cleaning unit comprising a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet, a cleaning head air outlet and an upright section comprising a handle drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head; (b) a cyclone unit mounted on the upright section and positioned in the air flow passage, the cyclone unit comprising a cyclone having an air inlet located at a lower end of the cyclone and an air outlet and a dirt outlet provided at an upper end of the cyclone, and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the cyclone and surrounding at least a portion of the cyclone wherein the cyclone unit is removable in a closed configuration; and, (c) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path.
 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the handle wherein the surface cleaning unit comprises the cyclone unit and the suction motor.
 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cyclone and the dirt collection chamber are concurrently openable.
 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the cyclone is positioned interior of the dirt collection chamber.
 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a plate facing the dirt outlet.
 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the plate is mounted to an upper end of the cyclone unit.
 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein the cyclone is an inverted cyclone having an air inlet and an air outlet at a lower end of the cyclone.
 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a vortex finder that is provided on an openable door of the cyclone. 